Statement published on 9 January 2026
Statement
The Bank’s mission is to promote the good of the people of the United Kingdom by maintaining monetary and financial stability. We do this in a way that is human, humble and in step with the changing world. Diversity and inclusion are critical to the Bank’s mission. If the Bank is to succeed in meeting its objectives, it needs to attract and retain the best people and to reflect the society we serve. That requires a diverse workforce whose expertise and potential are nurtured by an inclusive working environment.
Our early careers programmes — including, apprenticeships, industrial placements, graduate and PhD schemes — attract thousands of applicants each year. These programmes are open to all and assessed to the same high standard.
Evidence shows historic underrepresentation of people of Black heritage in our graduate intake. The Bank’s Black Heritage Sponsored Internship (which replaces the Black Future Leaders Sponsorship Programme) is a targeted initiative designed to address the lack of participation and disadvantage suffered by people of Black heritage and low-socio economic status in early careers. The programme complements our wider internship offering, which is open to students of all backgrounds.
The Equality and Human Rights Commission’s Employment Statutory Code of Practice makes clear that internships and other opportunities offered exclusively to target groups are a recognised form of lawful positive action under the Equality Act 2010. The Bank is mindful of the lawful positive action provisions of sections 158 and 159 of Equality Act 2010 on which it has sought legal advice. The Bank’s programmes remain under regular review.
Letter from 24 October 2025